What are the benefits of Secure Element in Hardware Wallets?
- Seed words never leave device but they stay in Secure Element
- Secure updates
- Generating 'random' numbers
- No tempering
The mnemonic code (which you are referring to as "seed words") are not stored on the secure element.
The actual seed is stored there. The mnemonic code is only used to generate the seed.
Secure updates and a RNG does not require a secure element. Any crypto co-processor is sufficient for this.
Yes, a secure element helps against t
ampering.
interesting topic, must say that I was not aware that Trezor does not have any secure element inside
That's the reason the trezor is highly vulnerable to physical attacks.
The trezor needs further protection mechanisms (e.g. strong password) to be sure that an evil maid attack won't make you lose your coins.